It Is these that need the Gift of Christ

7stead, 

She entered our office with a sweet and gentle smile. 

Her gentle spirit radiated through out the entire meeting. 

As it came to a close she said something I wasn't quite prepared for. 

Her heart opened and she began to express her brokenness. 

"On July 30th my husband died while running on the treadmill. He had just recently seen a cardiologist who had given him a good report. On July 1st, we both decided we wanted and needed to lose weight. He was always all in with everything. I wasn't there when it happened. Every since then my life has been a little off." 

My heart broke for her. God's timing is amazing in all things. I had just spent time with Him the day before, praying for those who have lost loved ones. And then today a complete stranger, now sister, sharing her loss. 

In that moment it seemed as though I had no mouth to speak words, just arms; arms that grabbed hold of her and hugged her. 

The moment she walked out the door, I immediately went to the foot of the cross grabbed a hold of Jesus and cried out for His presence to surround her, comfort her, and encourage her. 

Sweet one, it is these precious ones that we should be grabbing a hold of; loving on, surrounding, praying over them, and giving them the precious and perfect gift of Jesus.

He is the Light that penetrates the darkest darkness. He is the comfort that allows you to take a breath. He is the one who wipes away your tears. He is the strength you need to get out of bed and keep serving Him.

He is your every and only need. 

Wrap your arms around someone hurting. 

And whatever you do, trust Christ and complain less. 

Give more and take less. 

Love more. Encourage more. Pray more, and focus less on yourself and more on Christ.

Jesus was selfless when He came to earth to save us. Let's follow that example.

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:1-8

cross.